CA2500428A1 - Microphone shield system - Google Patents
Microphone shield system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2500428A1 CA2500428A1 CA002500428A CA2500428A CA2500428A1 CA 2500428 A1 CA2500428 A1 CA 2500428A1 CA 002500428 A CA002500428 A CA 002500428A CA 2500428 A CA2500428 A CA 2500428A CA 2500428 A1 CA2500428 A1 CA 2500428A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- membrane
- microphone
- shield system
- enclosure
- pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 88
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010297 mechanical methods and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
- H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
- H04R1/086—Protective screens, e.g. all weather or wind screens
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
- H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
- H04R1/22—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired frequency characteristic only
- H04R1/28—Transducer mountings or enclosures modified by provision of mechanical or acoustic impedances, e.g. resonator, damping means
- H04R1/2807—Enclosures comprising vibrating or resonating arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2201/02—Details casings, cabinets or mounting therein for transducers covered by H04R1/02 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
- H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2499/00—Aspects covered by H04R or H04S not otherwise provided for in their subgroups
- H04R2499/10—General applications
- H04R2499/11—Transducers incorporated or for use in hand-held devices, e.g. mobile phones, PDA's, camera's
Abstract
A microphone shield system captures sound in adverse conditions. The system includes a microphone positioned within an enclosure. A membrane stretched across a portion of the enclosure passes signals within a selected frequency range. The membrane may block or attenuate signals above and/or below the frequency range to pass a desired sound with little surrounding interference.
Description
MICROPHONE SHIELD SYSTEM
INVENTORS:
IAN SOUTAR
DENNIS WATKINS
WILLIAM COPELAND
to BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field.
INVENTORS:
IAN SOUTAR
DENNIS WATKINS
WILLIAM COPELAND
to BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field.
[002] This invention relates to a microphone shield, and more particularly, to a is system that protects a microphone against environmental conditions.
2. Related Art.
2. Related Art.
[003] Television, movie, and wireless communication industries rely on instruments to convert voice and other sounds into signals that may be transmitted to other locations and re-converted into high quality sound. High quality sound may be important, for meeting 2o consumer expectations and for accurately preserving events. Obtaining high-quality sound can be very difficult, particularly when the sound is affected by ambient noise.
[004] Many sources create ambient noise. Frequently encountered sources include wind and rain. Wind may distort the sound detected by microphone sensing elements, while rain may create noise as it strikes the sensing elements. Electronic filtering has been used to 2s remove some wind and rain noises. However, electronic filtering may attenuate some audio frequencies which may degrade sound clarity and quality.
[005] Therefore a need exists for a shield that overcomes some of these potential problems in the related art.
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
[006] This invention provides a shield system that captures selected sound.
The shield system includes a microphone enclosure coupled to a neck extension. A
membrane stretched across a portion of the enclosure passes signals within a selected frequency range.
s The membrane may block or attenuate signals above and/or below the frequency range to capture the selected sound.
The shield system includes a microphone enclosure coupled to a neck extension. A
membrane stretched across a portion of the enclosure passes signals within a selected frequency range.
s The membrane may block or attenuate signals above and/or below the frequency range to capture the selected sound.
[007] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description, It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and to advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
[008] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, t5 emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[009] Figure 1 shows a microphone shield system.
[010] Figure 2 shows a second microphone shield system.
20 [011] Figure 3 shows a third microphone shield system.
[012] Figure 4 is a flow diagram for making a microphone shield system.
[013] Figure 5 shows systems that may incorporate a microphone shield system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0I4] In Figure I, a microphone shield system 100 may include an elastic membrane 25 102 that surrounds a microphone 104. The membrane 102 may form an enclosure 106. The system 100 also may include a foam layer 108 that surrounds all or part of the membrane 102.
(015] The microphone 104 may include a sensing element 1 I O having a front surface 112 and a back surface 114. Signal connectors 116 and 118 positioned between the front and back surfaces l 12 and 114 may pass through the enclosure 106. A seal I20 may prevent the passage of liquid or gas into or out of the enclosure.
s (016J The membrane 102 may be several mils thick. The membrane 102 may be made of synthetic rubber, such as the rubber found in an inflatable balloon, may be made of latex, or may be made from other materials. The membrane 102 may be impermeable and elastic and may be inflated to surround the microphone 104.
[017] The membrane 102 may be inflated to several PSI (e.g., 1-3 PSI) above an to atmospheric pressure. The membrane 102 also may be inflated above an expected pressure exerted by a turbulence, a wind, a rain or other environmental force on the enclosure 106.
The inflation pressure may substantially match or exceed a selected or expected pressure.
The pressure may be a continuous or varying pressure that may strike the membrane.
]018] Any medium that may expand and contract with changes in pressure and that may readily occupy the enclosure 106 may be used to inflate the membrane 102.
The medium may comprise a liquid or a gas. When gas is employed, the gas may have a relatively large molecular size in comparison to the permeability of the membrane 102. The gas may be carbon dioxide, or a combination of gases such as air or other gases. When gases with relatively large molecular sizes are employed to inflate the membrane 102, the 2o membrane may remain inflated for an extended period of time.
[019] The foam layer 108 may be an open cell foam, such as a plastic open cell foam. The foam layer i 08 also may have a natural foam structure such as that found in an organic sponge. Combinations of foam materials also may be employed.
[020] The foam layer 108 may be made to a variety of thicknesses. The foam layer 2s 108 may be less than about 0.25" thick, may be about 0.25" - about 0.5"
thick, or may be made to other thicknesses or range of thicknesses. As the foam layer 108 increases in thickness, the foam layer 108 may increasingly block turbulence and also may attenuate higher frequency interference from an incoming signal before it reaches the membrane 102.
The foam layer 108 may be mechanically retained above or in contact with the membrane 30 102 or may be stretched across the membrane I 02.
[021] Sound waves that strike the membrane 102 may cause the membrane 102 to vibrate and transmit energy through the medium within the enclosure 106. The inflation pressure may dampen or absorb turbulence, may reduce pressure variations across the microphone 104, and may filter out undesired noise. The membrane 102 may also act as a bandpass filter by passing signals within certain frequency bands, and blocking or attenuating signals above and/or below the band.
[022] The membrane 102 may be selected to create a pass band of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz., about 300 Hz to about 5 KHz, about 100 Hz to about 15-25 KHz, about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz, or other frequency ranges. Combinations of pass bands also may be employed. A pass band of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz may be employed when the microphone captures music signals. A pass band of about 300 Hz to about 5 KHz or about to 300 Hz to 3,400 Hz may be employed when the microphone captures voice signals such as speech or singing. A pass band of about 100 Hz to about 15 - 25 KHz may be employed when the microphone captures high fidelity music.
[023] The frequency range passed by the membrane 102 may be adjusted . by manipulating the foam layer 108. Changes in the foam material, its elasticity, and its ~ 5 thickness may change the pass band characteristics. Similarly, changes in the membrane material, inflation pressure, thickness, and thickness range may also change the pass band characteristics.
(024] The membrane 102 may be made thicker to reduce the frequency range of the pass band or to cause the pass band to shift down in frequency. Alternatively, the membrane 20 102 may be under inflated to reduce the frequency range of the pass band or to cause the pass band to shift down in frequency. The membrane 102 and the foam layer 108 may reduce pressure differences, including sub sonic variations in air pressure, in the enclosure 106 and between the front 112 and back 114 of the microphone sensing element 110.
[025] To prevent the escape of the enclosed medium and to protect against 25 environmental effects, the enclosure 106 may be sealed. The seal 120 may be a rubber stopper, a clamp, a tie, an adhesive seal, or another device or seal that substantially prevents leakage. The signal connectors 116 and 118 may pass through the seal 120, or may be guided out of the enclosure 106 through another opening. An inflation needle may pass between the seal 120 and the membrane 102 or may pass through the seal 120 to inflate the membrane 30 102.
[026] The microphone 104 converts sound into electrical or optical signals.
Additional hardware and/or software may convert the microphone output into digital data that a computer or a controller may process. Wires may connect the output of the microphone to a destination. Alternatively, the connection may be wireless and may use a modulated carrier, such as a frequency or amplitude modulated connection. A hardwire or wireless connection may link the microphone to a wireless network such as a ZigBee, Mobile-Fi, Ultrawideband, Wi-fi, or a WiMax network.
[027] In Figure 2, a microphone shielding system 200 may include a microphone enclosure 202 that forms a chamber 204. The chamber 204 may surround a microphone 206.
The shielding system 200 may also include a membrane support 208, a membrane 210, and a foam layer 212. The microphone enclosure 202 may have an opening 214 positioned above the microphone to receive sound waves.
(028] The membrane support 208 may extend across all or part of the opening with the foam layer 212 covering all or part of the membrane 210. The membrane support 208 may be made of wire mesh. The membrane 210 also may cover all or part of the microphone enclosure 202. The microphone enclosure 202 may be a rigid air tight enclosure that protects the microphone 206 against wind, rain, and other environmental effects.
[029] The membrane support 208 may form a dome over the chamber 204 or may extend across the chamber 204 without a curved surface. The membrane 210 may be mechanically stretched across the membrane support 208 to tighten or fasten the membrane 210 to the enclosure. The membrane support 208 may limit the deformation of the membrane 210 under any type of external conditions, such as high winds or heavy rains.
(030] In Figure 3, a microphone shielding system 300 may include a microphone enclosure 302 that forms a chamber 304. The chamber 304 may include a neck 308. The neck 308 may form an extension to the microphone enclosure 302 and may have an opening 310 smaller in width than the width of chamber 304. The opening 310 may facilitate stretching or fastening of the membrane 314 across the opening 310. A foam layer 316 may extend over alt or part of the opening 310 and microphone enclosure 302.
(031] The neck 308 may be a unitary part of the enclosure 302 and may be formed by a molding process. The neck 308 also may be separately attached to or functionally couple to the enclosure 302. Furthermore, the neck 308 may protrude from a side of the 3o enclosure 302, rather than the end shown in Figure 3.
(032j A fastener 318 may attach the membrane 314 to the enclosure 302 or the neck 308 above the membrane support 312. The fastener 318 may be a flat ring made of plastic or rubber and may be employed as a gasket. The fastener 318 may be pressed over the membrane 314 and the neck 308 to attach the membrane to the microphone enclosure 302.
[033] Figure 4 is a flow diagram 400 for making a microphone shield system. A
microphone enclosure may form a microphone chamber (Act 402). A neck may be extended above the microphone enclosure to form a second chamber having an opening smaller in width than the microphone enclosure (Act 404).
[034] A microphone may be placed within the chamber so that it is surrounded or enclosed by the walls of the chamber (Act 406). The chamber may be sealed by a stopper, a clamp, a tie, or by applying an adhesive or sealant such as glue or cement to the enclosure to (Act 408). Signal connectors coupled to the microphone may pass through openings or through a chamber seal (Act 410).
[035] A membrane support may be formed above the chamber (Act 412). A wire mesh or other support structures positioned across all or part of the opening formed within the chamber may be employed. A membrane may be stretched across the microphone t5 enclosure and the membrane support (Act 414). The membrane may be an elastic membrane and may be stretched by an inflation, a mechanical method, or a combination of methods.
[036] The chamber may be pressurized above an atmospheric pressure (Act 416).
The membrane may be inflated by a gas, liquid, or other substance. A foam layer may be stretched across, and optionally placed in contact with, the membrane ,(Act 418). The foam 20 layer may be an artificial open cell foam, a naFural foam, or a combination of foams. The foam layer thickness may be adjusted to create a bandpass filter with a desired frequency response.
[037] Figure S shows systems that may incorporate the shield systems 100, 200, or 300. A phone, such as the cell phone 502, may include a shield system 504. The shield 25 system S04 in the cell phone S02 may provide a frequency response of about 300 Hz to about S KHz or about 300 Hz to 3,400 Hz or any other desired frequency response.
[038] The microphone system 506 also may include a shield system 508. The microphone system 506 may be a hardwired or wireless microphone. The shield system 508 may be adjusted to provide a frequency response of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz for 30 capturing music signals, about 100 Hz to about 1 S - 25 KHz for capturing high fidelity music, or about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz or about S KHz for capturing speech.
[039] A headset microphone system 510, such as that used in an office, may also employ a shield system 512. The shield system 512 may be adjusted to provide a frequency response that passes voiced signals.
[040] Figure 5 also shows a voice recorder 516. The voice recorder may be s portable, and may record or process MP3 or WAV files. In the voice recorder 516, a shield system 518 may provide a frequency response that passes voiced and unvoiced signals.
Other systems that sense sound may also include one or more microphone shields.
(041J The microphone shielding systems provide high-quality sound reproduction for many applications. 'The microphone shield systems may protect a microphone from rain, to wind, and other environmental effects.
[042] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.
20 [011] Figure 3 shows a third microphone shield system.
[012] Figure 4 is a flow diagram for making a microphone shield system.
[013] Figure 5 shows systems that may incorporate a microphone shield system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0I4] In Figure I, a microphone shield system 100 may include an elastic membrane 25 102 that surrounds a microphone 104. The membrane 102 may form an enclosure 106. The system 100 also may include a foam layer 108 that surrounds all or part of the membrane 102.
(015] The microphone 104 may include a sensing element 1 I O having a front surface 112 and a back surface 114. Signal connectors 116 and 118 positioned between the front and back surfaces l 12 and 114 may pass through the enclosure 106. A seal I20 may prevent the passage of liquid or gas into or out of the enclosure.
s (016J The membrane 102 may be several mils thick. The membrane 102 may be made of synthetic rubber, such as the rubber found in an inflatable balloon, may be made of latex, or may be made from other materials. The membrane 102 may be impermeable and elastic and may be inflated to surround the microphone 104.
[017] The membrane 102 may be inflated to several PSI (e.g., 1-3 PSI) above an to atmospheric pressure. The membrane 102 also may be inflated above an expected pressure exerted by a turbulence, a wind, a rain or other environmental force on the enclosure 106.
The inflation pressure may substantially match or exceed a selected or expected pressure.
The pressure may be a continuous or varying pressure that may strike the membrane.
]018] Any medium that may expand and contract with changes in pressure and that may readily occupy the enclosure 106 may be used to inflate the membrane 102.
The medium may comprise a liquid or a gas. When gas is employed, the gas may have a relatively large molecular size in comparison to the permeability of the membrane 102. The gas may be carbon dioxide, or a combination of gases such as air or other gases. When gases with relatively large molecular sizes are employed to inflate the membrane 102, the 2o membrane may remain inflated for an extended period of time.
[019] The foam layer 108 may be an open cell foam, such as a plastic open cell foam. The foam layer i 08 also may have a natural foam structure such as that found in an organic sponge. Combinations of foam materials also may be employed.
[020] The foam layer 108 may be made to a variety of thicknesses. The foam layer 2s 108 may be less than about 0.25" thick, may be about 0.25" - about 0.5"
thick, or may be made to other thicknesses or range of thicknesses. As the foam layer 108 increases in thickness, the foam layer 108 may increasingly block turbulence and also may attenuate higher frequency interference from an incoming signal before it reaches the membrane 102.
The foam layer 108 may be mechanically retained above or in contact with the membrane 30 102 or may be stretched across the membrane I 02.
[021] Sound waves that strike the membrane 102 may cause the membrane 102 to vibrate and transmit energy through the medium within the enclosure 106. The inflation pressure may dampen or absorb turbulence, may reduce pressure variations across the microphone 104, and may filter out undesired noise. The membrane 102 may also act as a bandpass filter by passing signals within certain frequency bands, and blocking or attenuating signals above and/or below the band.
[022] The membrane 102 may be selected to create a pass band of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz., about 300 Hz to about 5 KHz, about 100 Hz to about 15-25 KHz, about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz, or other frequency ranges. Combinations of pass bands also may be employed. A pass band of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz may be employed when the microphone captures music signals. A pass band of about 300 Hz to about 5 KHz or about to 300 Hz to 3,400 Hz may be employed when the microphone captures voice signals such as speech or singing. A pass band of about 100 Hz to about 15 - 25 KHz may be employed when the microphone captures high fidelity music.
[023] The frequency range passed by the membrane 102 may be adjusted . by manipulating the foam layer 108. Changes in the foam material, its elasticity, and its ~ 5 thickness may change the pass band characteristics. Similarly, changes in the membrane material, inflation pressure, thickness, and thickness range may also change the pass band characteristics.
(024] The membrane 102 may be made thicker to reduce the frequency range of the pass band or to cause the pass band to shift down in frequency. Alternatively, the membrane 20 102 may be under inflated to reduce the frequency range of the pass band or to cause the pass band to shift down in frequency. The membrane 102 and the foam layer 108 may reduce pressure differences, including sub sonic variations in air pressure, in the enclosure 106 and between the front 112 and back 114 of the microphone sensing element 110.
[025] To prevent the escape of the enclosed medium and to protect against 25 environmental effects, the enclosure 106 may be sealed. The seal 120 may be a rubber stopper, a clamp, a tie, an adhesive seal, or another device or seal that substantially prevents leakage. The signal connectors 116 and 118 may pass through the seal 120, or may be guided out of the enclosure 106 through another opening. An inflation needle may pass between the seal 120 and the membrane 102 or may pass through the seal 120 to inflate the membrane 30 102.
[026] The microphone 104 converts sound into electrical or optical signals.
Additional hardware and/or software may convert the microphone output into digital data that a computer or a controller may process. Wires may connect the output of the microphone to a destination. Alternatively, the connection may be wireless and may use a modulated carrier, such as a frequency or amplitude modulated connection. A hardwire or wireless connection may link the microphone to a wireless network such as a ZigBee, Mobile-Fi, Ultrawideband, Wi-fi, or a WiMax network.
[027] In Figure 2, a microphone shielding system 200 may include a microphone enclosure 202 that forms a chamber 204. The chamber 204 may surround a microphone 206.
The shielding system 200 may also include a membrane support 208, a membrane 210, and a foam layer 212. The microphone enclosure 202 may have an opening 214 positioned above the microphone to receive sound waves.
(028] The membrane support 208 may extend across all or part of the opening with the foam layer 212 covering all or part of the membrane 210. The membrane support 208 may be made of wire mesh. The membrane 210 also may cover all or part of the microphone enclosure 202. The microphone enclosure 202 may be a rigid air tight enclosure that protects the microphone 206 against wind, rain, and other environmental effects.
[029] The membrane support 208 may form a dome over the chamber 204 or may extend across the chamber 204 without a curved surface. The membrane 210 may be mechanically stretched across the membrane support 208 to tighten or fasten the membrane 210 to the enclosure. The membrane support 208 may limit the deformation of the membrane 210 under any type of external conditions, such as high winds or heavy rains.
(030] In Figure 3, a microphone shielding system 300 may include a microphone enclosure 302 that forms a chamber 304. The chamber 304 may include a neck 308. The neck 308 may form an extension to the microphone enclosure 302 and may have an opening 310 smaller in width than the width of chamber 304. The opening 310 may facilitate stretching or fastening of the membrane 314 across the opening 310. A foam layer 316 may extend over alt or part of the opening 310 and microphone enclosure 302.
(031] The neck 308 may be a unitary part of the enclosure 302 and may be formed by a molding process. The neck 308 also may be separately attached to or functionally couple to the enclosure 302. Furthermore, the neck 308 may protrude from a side of the 3o enclosure 302, rather than the end shown in Figure 3.
(032j A fastener 318 may attach the membrane 314 to the enclosure 302 or the neck 308 above the membrane support 312. The fastener 318 may be a flat ring made of plastic or rubber and may be employed as a gasket. The fastener 318 may be pressed over the membrane 314 and the neck 308 to attach the membrane to the microphone enclosure 302.
[033] Figure 4 is a flow diagram 400 for making a microphone shield system. A
microphone enclosure may form a microphone chamber (Act 402). A neck may be extended above the microphone enclosure to form a second chamber having an opening smaller in width than the microphone enclosure (Act 404).
[034] A microphone may be placed within the chamber so that it is surrounded or enclosed by the walls of the chamber (Act 406). The chamber may be sealed by a stopper, a clamp, a tie, or by applying an adhesive or sealant such as glue or cement to the enclosure to (Act 408). Signal connectors coupled to the microphone may pass through openings or through a chamber seal (Act 410).
[035] A membrane support may be formed above the chamber (Act 412). A wire mesh or other support structures positioned across all or part of the opening formed within the chamber may be employed. A membrane may be stretched across the microphone t5 enclosure and the membrane support (Act 414). The membrane may be an elastic membrane and may be stretched by an inflation, a mechanical method, or a combination of methods.
[036] The chamber may be pressurized above an atmospheric pressure (Act 416).
The membrane may be inflated by a gas, liquid, or other substance. A foam layer may be stretched across, and optionally placed in contact with, the membrane ,(Act 418). The foam 20 layer may be an artificial open cell foam, a naFural foam, or a combination of foams. The foam layer thickness may be adjusted to create a bandpass filter with a desired frequency response.
[037] Figure S shows systems that may incorporate the shield systems 100, 200, or 300. A phone, such as the cell phone 502, may include a shield system 504. The shield 25 system S04 in the cell phone S02 may provide a frequency response of about 300 Hz to about S KHz or about 300 Hz to 3,400 Hz or any other desired frequency response.
[038] The microphone system 506 also may include a shield system 508. The microphone system 506 may be a hardwired or wireless microphone. The shield system 508 may be adjusted to provide a frequency response of about 100 Hz to about 10 KHz for 30 capturing music signals, about 100 Hz to about 1 S - 25 KHz for capturing high fidelity music, or about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz or about S KHz for capturing speech.
[039] A headset microphone system 510, such as that used in an office, may also employ a shield system 512. The shield system 512 may be adjusted to provide a frequency response that passes voiced signals.
[040] Figure 5 also shows a voice recorder 516. The voice recorder may be s portable, and may record or process MP3 or WAV files. In the voice recorder 516, a shield system 518 may provide a frequency response that passes voiced and unvoiced signals.
Other systems that sense sound may also include one or more microphone shields.
(041J The microphone shielding systems provide high-quality sound reproduction for many applications. 'The microphone shield systems may protect a microphone from rain, to wind, and other environmental effects.
[042] While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.
Claims (33)
1. ~A microphone shield system comprising:
a microphone enclosure defining an opening for receiving sound waves;
a membrane support positioned across the opening; and an membrane stretched across the membrane support.
a microphone enclosure defining an opening for receiving sound waves;
a membrane support positioned across the opening; and an membrane stretched across the membrane support.
2. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the microphone enclosure comprises an enclosure neck extending from the microphone enclosure, the enclosure next defining the opening for receiving sound waves.
3. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the membrane is stretched by an inflated pressure approximately 1-3 psi above atmospheric pressure.
4. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the membrane is mechanically stretched across the enclosure neck.
5. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the membrane support comprises a wire mesh.
6. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the membrane passes about Hz to about 10 KHz.
7. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the membrane passes about Hz to about 5 KHz.
8. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, further comprising a foam layer positioned above the membrane.
9. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, further comprising a foam layer less than approximately 0.25 inches thick positioned above the membrane.
10. ~The microphone shield system of claim 1, further comprising a foam layer between approximately 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches thick positioned above the membrane.
11. The microphone shield system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless connection link between the microphone and a destination.
12. The microphone shield system of claim 1, further comprising a fastener that secures the membrane to the microphone enclosure.
13. The microphone shield system of claim 12, where the fastener comprises a gasket.
14. The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the stretched membrane is inflated to a pressure at least equal to an expected environmental pressure.
15. The microphone shield system of claim 1 where the stretched membrane is inflated to a pressure at least equal to an expected air turbulence pressure.
16. The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the stretched membrane functions as a bandpass filter.
17. The microphone shield system of claim 1, where the stretched membrane functions as a frequency bandpass filter that passes about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz.
18. A method for constructing a microphone shield system, the method comprising:
providing a microphone enclosure;
defining an opening for receiving sound waves in the microphone enclosure;
providing a membrane support positioned across the opening; and stretching a membrane across the membrane support.
providing a microphone enclosure;
defining an opening for receiving sound waves in the microphone enclosure;
providing a membrane support positioned across the opening; and stretching a membrane across the membrane support.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting the membrane to function as a bandpass filter.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising adjusting the membrane to function as a bandpass filter that passes music frequencies.
21. The method of claim 18 further comprising adjusting the membrane to function as a bandpass filter that passes voiced sound.
22. The method of claim 18 further comprising positioning a foam layer above the membrane.
23. The method of claim 18 further comprising inflating the membrane above an atmospheric pressure.
24. The method of claim 18 further comprising mechanically stretching the membrane across the neck.
25. The method of claim 18, further comprising securing the membrane to the microphone enclosure with a fastener.
26. The method of claim 18, where the membrane is inflated to a pressure at least equal to an expected environmental pressure.
27. The method of claim 18, where the membrane is inflated to a pressure at least equal to an expected air turbulence pressure.
28. The method of claim 18, where the membrane functions as a bandpass filter.
29. The method of claim 18, where the membrane functions as a frequency bandpass filter that passes about 300 Hz to about 3,400 Hz.
30. The method of claim 18, where the membrane support comprises a wire mesh.
31. The method of claim 18, where the membrane support comprises a wire mesh dome.
32. The method of claim 18, further comprising sealing the enclosure.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising inflating the membrane using an inflation needle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/902,961 | 2004-07-30 | ||
US10/902,961 US7415122B2 (en) | 2000-05-25 | 2004-07-30 | Microphone shield system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2500428A1 true CA2500428A1 (en) | 2006-01-30 |
Family
ID=35197989
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002500428A Abandoned CA2500428A1 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2005-03-11 | Microphone shield system |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7415122B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1622416A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4178149B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100666200B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1728885A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2500428A1 (en) |
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US7415122B2 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2008-08-19 | Qnx Software Systems (Wavemakers), Inc. | Microphone shield system |
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US8369556B2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2013-02-05 | Robert Power | Microphone pop filter |
JP5635182B2 (en) * | 2010-11-25 | 2014-12-03 | ゴーアテック インコーポレイテッドGoertek Inc | Speech enhancement method, apparatus and noise reduction communication headphones |
GB201321852D0 (en) * | 2013-12-10 | 2014-01-22 | Thales Holdings Uk Plc | Acoustic Detector |
US9888307B2 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2018-02-06 | Apple Inc. | Microphone assembly having an acoustic leak path |
CN109302652B (en) * | 2017-07-24 | 2022-07-05 | 法雷奥汽车内部控制(深圳)有限公司 | Microphone assembly with shielding function for motor vehicle |
CN112151062B (en) * | 2020-09-27 | 2021-12-24 | 梅州国威电子有限公司 | Sound insulation communication method |
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2004
- 2004-07-30 US US10/902,961 patent/US7415122B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-03-11 CA CA002500428A patent/CA2500428A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-03-21 EP EP05006167A patent/EP1622416A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-03-23 KR KR1020050024064A patent/KR100666200B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-03-24 CN CNA2005100569583A patent/CN1728885A/en active Pending
- 2005-03-25 JP JP2005090248A patent/JP4178149B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-05-21 US US12/124,773 patent/US7945063B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1622416A3 (en) | 2008-03-19 |
JP4178149B2 (en) | 2008-11-12 |
CN1728885A (en) | 2006-02-01 |
EP1622416A2 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
US20080226110A1 (en) | 2008-09-18 |
US7945063B2 (en) | 2011-05-17 |
US20050063560A1 (en) | 2005-03-24 |
US7415122B2 (en) | 2008-08-19 |
JP2006050542A (en) | 2006-02-16 |
KR100666200B1 (en) | 2007-01-09 |
KR20060044623A (en) | 2006-05-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Discontinued |